Christmas toy, food drives commence locally

Cully Margus and Michael Coloton, employees of Sanders Ford of Jacksonville, take time to donate toys to Toys for Tots on Thursday.

John Sudbrink / The Daily News

By THOMAS BRENNAN and AMANDA HICKEY Daily News Staff

Published: Monday, November 11, 2013 at 07:00 AM.

Several Onslow County nonprofits are preparing to make this holiday season memorable for families in need.

Onslow Christmas Cheer is accepting applications for those who need assistance this Christmas.

“The volunteers at Christmas Cheer, their logo is ‘We do it for the children,” said Onslow Community Outreach director Theo McClammy. “Regardless of how our children came to be in need, regardless of what the parent or what custodial parent did or not do, on Christmas morning we want all our children to wake with a smile on their face and the spirit of Christmas in their heart.”

Several Onslow County nonprofits are preparing to make this holiday season memorable for families in need.

Onslow Christmas Cheer is accepting applications for those who need assistance this Christmas.

“The volunteers at Christmas Cheer, their logo is ‘We do it for the children,” said Onslow Community Outreach director Theo McClammy. “Regardless of how our children came to be in need, regardless of what the parent or what custodial parent did or not do, on Christmas morning we want all our children to wake with a smile on their face and the spirit of Christmas in their heart.”

The Onslow Community Outreach Program collects new toys to distribute to children ages 12 and younger.

According to information from the nonprofit, it typically provides Christmas for 1,500 children annually. The program costs about $30,000 to operate annually and all funds donated for Christmas Cheer go to toys, food or special items.

Organizers say residents have several opportunities to help and can sponsor a family, or collect gifts and food.

For those interested in donating toys, organizers say their largest need are donations for children ages 10 to 12 and gifts for teenagers.

Acceptable food donations include canned meats, beans and rice.

Toys for Tots drive begins

The Marine Corps Reserve also is collecting for its annual Toys for Tots drive, which hopes to brighten the holidays for children in and around Onslow County.

The collection of toys in Onslow County began Friday. And Monday, more drop-off sites have been added.

“Personally, it’s great to be involved with the program,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Patterson, 39, of Jacksonville and coordinator for Onslow County Toys for Tots. “I’ve got a passion for kids.”

Donated toys must be new, unwrapped and bear no resemblance to weapons, Patterson said.

“It’s great for the community and helps out with people who are on hard times and struggling,” Patterson said.

Dropoff locations include: Martial Arts and More at 115 Branchwood Drive in Jacksonville; Lejeune Honda at 2221 N. Marine Blvd. in Jacksonville; Night Moves Inc. at 1207 Hargett St. in Jacksonville; and Sanders Ford in Jacksonville and Swansboro.

Parents interested in receiving Toys for Tots donations can apply through Christmas Cheer, which stores the toys in its warehouse. Once approved, an adult family member can peruse the warehouse and pick out a select number of toys per child. For more information, visit Onslowco.org/cc,

Bell ringers sought

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign begins the week before Thanksgiving. Volunteers are sought to ring bells and collect donations locally. Organizers hope to be out in full force on Black Friday.